Seattle sports teams are rethinking their relationship with Macklemore due to his “increasingly polarizing comments”

Over the weekend, Macklemore released the fundraising single “Hinds Hall 2,” his second protest song against Israel's campaign of genocide in Gaza. He performed the song at a concert in his hometown of Seattle, billed as the “Palestine Will Live Forever Fest.” During that performance, Macklemore was filmed shouting “Fuck America” ​​to the crowd. Macklemore has since been dropped from the Neon City Festival in Las Vegas, and now some Seattle-based professional sports franchises say they are rethinking their relationship with the rapper.

Macklemore is a longtime fan of Seattle sports. Even before he rose to national fame with his hit song “Thrift Shop,” Macklemore became a local sensation thanks in part to “My Oh My,” his 2011 ode to the late Mariners commentator Dave Niehaus. He has performed at numerous sporting events over the years, but now those teams seem to be distancing themselves from him. KOMO News reports that a Mariners spokesperson made the following statement in response to Macklemore's “Fuck America” ​​moment: “We are aware of the incident and agree with the other teams in town: Sports and music should unite us, not divide us. We continue to monitor and explore the latest developments.”

Meanwhile, Seattle Storm and Seattle Sounders FC issued this joint statement: “We believe that sports brings people together and unites us. We are aware of Macklemore's increasingly polarizing comments and they do not reflect the values ​​of our respective ownership groups, leagues or organizations. We are currently evaluating our mutual options on this matter.”

Earlier this week, Macklemore released a lengthy statement on his “fuck America” ​​comment. He wrote, “I don't always express my thoughts and feelings perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get carried away by the situation. Saturday night was one of those moments.” He then reiterated his support for the Palestinian people and his anger at America's complicity in the genocide. As an independent artist with major mainstream hits, Macklemore is in a unique position to criticize Israel without being silenced by major label overlords, but he knows he will still face career consequences.